REDUNDANCY fears loom large for employees at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in Runcorn where industrial action seems likely in an attempt to end years of uncertainty.

If Ruth Kelly, Economic Secretary to the Treasury (EST), decides to go ahead and close the site at East Lane, 91 permanent staff will be left without jobs.

Geoff Wilkinson, Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) local branch secretary, said: 'Our members have been in limbo for years and it is affecting their lives both inside and outside work.

'This pressure is showing itself in increased levels of stress related illnesses to which we hold the ONS management and the Government accountable.

'We will consider a number of options for industrial action, including strikes.'

Runcorn is one of five ONS sites across the country and has been a major employer in the area for more than 30 years.

But in 1997 a report was commissioned to review its financial viability and, although no case for closure was proved, it was announced the site would probably face its final days over the coming years.

A review ­- the details of which have never been made public ­- was commissioned last year and further information was requested for the EST to try to reach a decision.

Halton MP Derek Twigg said: 'Mike Hall and I have had numerous meetings with the economic secretaries over the last few years and we are hoping to meet with Ruth Kelly in the near future to try and save the branch.'

But the future looks bleak, with 30 casual staff already due to leave at the end of August.

Ian Scott, ONS chief press officer, said the uncertainty felt by the employees was recognised and, although the future of the site has been an issue for some time, there have been no moves to change people's employment status.

He added: 'The issue is one of a number facing the Office for National Statistics which the new economic secretary will be considering in due course.'

Meanwhile, Geoff Wilkinson is set to meet the PCS senior negotiations officer later today.